GEM Connect Cohort 2026
Why did GEM Connect create a Leadership Cohort?
The GEM Connect Leadership Cohort is a direct response to what regional listening sessions revealed: access to the advanced mobility ecosystem is not evenly distributed. Information travels through relationships – and not everyone has equal access to those relationships.
The cohort brings together 29 professionals from across Detroit Michigan who already serve as connectors in their communities and sectors. Over nine months, they build shared understanding of the ecosystem, deepen cross-sector relationships, and create clearer on-ramps for people and organizations that haven’t had a clear way in.
They are not gatekeepers. They are on-ramps.
29
Cohort members representing cross-sector perspectives across Detroit Michigan
4
In-person convenings across the Detroit region over nine months
11
Counties represented across the cohort’s regional reach
9
Months of shared learning, relationship building, and ecosystem connection
GEM Connect Leadership Cohort 2026 Members
29 professionals from across Detroit Michigan. Many members cross multiple sectors – no single sector tag is assigned to any individual.
Alphonso Amos
Executive Director
Urban Alliance
Asha Carr
Manager of Workforce Strategy
Detroit Regional Partnership
Cambrey Thomas
Assistant Marketing Manager
GM Energy
Cassandra Myers
Program Manager
Henry Ford College
Charita Dancy
Production Supervisor
Ford Motor Company
Chris Olzem
Mobility Innovations Coordinator
Oakland County
Cierra McFarlin
Program Manager
Detroit Future City
James "Screal" Eberheart Jr.
Senior Michigan Moonshot Ambassador
Merit Network
Janelle Arbuckle-Michael
Associate Director, Talent Development & PK-12 Initiatives
Michigan Central
Jeff Laskowski
Corporate Communications Manager
SAE International
Jennifer Briggs
Director/Dean
Baker College â Auto Diesel Institute of Michigan
Jerina Cleveland
Community Engagement Manager
Catch a Ride Network
Joel Key
Fractional CTO / Founder
Key Engineering LLC
John Petrous
Founder / CEO
Tappy Technology
Jordan Falby
DEI Manager
Walker-Miller Energy Services
Justin Payne
Owner and Executive Director
Blucar
Kameron Dye
Head of Revenue
Ultrium
Kellie Lindsay
Principal
High Potential Products, LLC
Kenneth Nichols
Business Development Manager
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Kristina Brinich
Program Manager
GM Energy
Ledgra Johnson
Coordinator, Middle College Trade School
Henry Ford College
Melinda Gray
GM Design Outreach & Development Manager
General Motors Global Design
Mike Johnson
Creative Services Manager
Formerly Comcast
Richard Snider
Student
Apple Developer Academy
Sandra Etherly Johnson
Chief Community Engagement Officer
Flint & Genesee Group
Shawn Hill
Deputy Executive Director, External Partnerships & Innovation
Detroit Public Schools Community District
Tammie Jones
Founder + CEO
Tharseo
Tracy Thomas
Director Workforce Development
Henry Ford Health
Richard Snider
Student
Apple Developer Academy
Shantonio Birch
Founder
Thermoverse
Sectors Represented
The cohort was designed to bring together cross-sector perspectives. The sectors below reflect the range across the full cohort.
Engineering & Technology
Design
Kâ12 Education
Higher Education
Community-Based Organizations
Founders & Entrepreneurship
Industry Support
Regional Economic Development
Workforce Development
Career Pathways & Adjacent Industries
Looking for something else?
To learn more, contact:
Jeannine Gant
Mobility Engagement Officer
Global Epicenter of Mobility